Pakistan secured a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I, which put them one up in the three-match T20I series. But more than the result, what would have elated the hosts would be their metamorphosis to a new style of cricket being a success. Pakistan called up a squad comprising hard-hitters, most of them young and new to international cricket.
Sadaqat’s maiden T20I fifty
One of them is Maaz Sadaqat, who seems cut out for the aggressive brand of cricket that Pakistan has adopted. Sadaqat struck his maiden T20I fifty against Sri Lanka, which he scored off only 29 balls. While the sample size to support this is still very limited, Maaz believes this shift in their way of playing is getting the side the success that has long evaded them.
“Yes, absolutely. Batting in the powerplay is easier, and my approach is to maintain that positive intent. Modern cricket demands this kind of approach, so we are trying to follow what our coaches have taught us and the mindset they want us to have. I think we should continue backing that approach, and we are getting success from it.”
Pakistan’s middle-order woes
Pakistan’s top order ran the hard yards as they pursued a 183-run target. The three batters collectively scored 162 runs. Their dismissals saw Pakistan succumb to a mini-collapse, losing four quick wickets and postponing the win. But Maaz believes the middle order, comprising Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Shadab Khan, is capable of keeping up the standards their new strategy has set.
“If you look at Hasan Nawaz’s performance in the last match, he played well in the middle order. And if you look at our power hitters, particularly Abdul Samad, I think the issue we had with our middle order has now been addressed. Both of them have played well in the middle order, so I think this is a very good development for Pakistan’s batting.”
“Both of them have played well in the middle order, so I think this is a very good development for Pakistan’s batting.”
Among the middle-order batters, Shadab Khan had a relatively exhaustive day. He was Pakistan’s most expensive bowler, conceding 33 runs in three overs, before bagging a duck, the only one across both innings. Maaz, however, came to his defence, noting that the spin all-rounder comes off an incredible stint in the Caribbean Premier League. Shadab was named player of the tournament in the CPL last month, scoring 132 runs at a staggering 227 strike rate and taking 11 wickets.
“That is not the case, because he has earned his place through his performances. He performed in the CPL and also put in good performances in the PSL. He has done well with both bat and ball, and he is also a good fielder. So, in my opinion, there is no particular issue with his selection.”
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